Mayor-elect Betsy Hodges announced the formation of her Transition Advisory Committee today — a 27-member group that will provide guidance on her first term.

The committee will be chaired by progressive activist Laura Waterman Wittstock, a KFAI Radio host, author and president and CEO of Wittstock & Associates. Kristin Beckmann and Jeff Blodgett will serve as volunteer transition co-coordinators.

“I am grateful to these outstanding community leaders for their willingness to advise me as I prepare for my first term as the Mayor of Minneapolis,” Hodges said. “Thanks to their sharing of ideas and energy, the beginning of our effort to shape One Minneapolis will incorporate the hopes and dreams of people in every corner of our city.”

The committee will help Hodges get ready for the first 10 days of her term and make recommendations for the swearing in and inaugural festivities. Hodges' transition team will also organize a tour through the city's neighborhoods.

“I want to connect with people all over this city and celebrate what makes this a great place to live,” Hodges said. “The tour is a chance for people to showcase their individual communities, but also raise up the commonalities that make us One Minneapolis.”

The committee will also advise Hodges' on her agenda for her first term. Her top priority is her education plan, which include her Cradle-to-K initiative and ideas for students in grades K-12. "I will call together people who are ready and willing to challenge ourselves to end our achievement gap and ensure all our children succeed," Hodges said.